Pumice concrete for structural wall panels

Some properties of lightweight pumice stone concrete (LWPSC) are discussed, on account of a possible structural use of this material. Then the results of an experimental investigation are described, in order to show that pumice can really be considered an alternative to common artificial lightweight aggregates, taking into account the performance pointed out by loading tests carried out on structural systems made of LWPSC. Three different kinds of reinforced wall panels were made using LWPSC, lightweight expanded clay concrete and normal weight concrete; then their structural responses under horizontal cyclic and constant vertical forces were compared, above all with reference to lateral stiffness, cracking pattern, ultimate strength and associated plastic deformations. This comparison shows the effectiveness of pumice as an aggregate in manufacturing concrete, at least for this type of structural element. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.